Following a strict diet routine might be more demanding for a bodybuilder than lifting weights. Bodybuilding revolves around building muscles with the help of nutrition and weightlifting. Whether an individual trains and builds muscles for competitive or health purposes, it is known as a lifestyle as they spend time in and outside the gym.
However, for one to gain maximum output and results after training, the foremost factor and focus must be their diet. A diet is what determines the final results of a bodybuilder. Hence, consuming the right food is beneficial to achieving bodybuilding goals. Though there are multiple foods one consumes as part of a diet, why do bodybuilders eat rice?
While there are multiple combinations of meals that bodybuilders consume, there is one simple yet effective meal. Rice, chicken, and broccoli help build up the body’s lost energy. Among these, rice is the most perfect post-workout meal, as the carbohydrate content of the rice will replace muscle glycogen levels and refuel.
The main reason why bodybuilders eat rice is because it’s cheap, clean, and incredibly good for building muscle. It helps give a proper mix of carbs to replenish the muscles right after a workout, with a ton of protein to start the muscle-building process as well.
Another advantage of having rice is that it is entirely natural and does not let you gain weight easily on a cut. A famous bodybuilder who followed a proper diet routine was Mike Mentzer.
The late bodybuilder advised four servings of high-quality grains, four servings of fruit, two servings of dairy, and two servings of protein in a day. When consuming rice, it is also advised that bodybuilders consume white rice instead of brown rice. However, the question remains: why?
The significance of white rice for bodybuilders
Fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders over the years have become aware of the high glycemic value present in white rice. This gives athletes the brisk gush of energy necessary for and after intense workout sessions, as well as improving muscle recovery.
The reason why consuming brown rice isn’t good is because grains contain phytic acid, which prevents our body from absorbing the essential minerals.
Benefits of eating white rice
- White rice provides large doses of selenium, iron, B-complex vitamins, and manganese and is a good source of potassium, magnesium, copper, and other minerals.
- White rice is easier to digest as it contains less fiber.
- The difference between white rice and brown rice is the micronutrient values they hold.
- Anyone who has gastrointestinal (GI) issues should consume more white rice as part of their nutritional and carbohydrate needs, as it helps the gut heal. The reason is that white rice is a low-FODMAP food.
